 Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in January 2026:
 Chamber ambassadors are the welcoming heartbeat of our organization, greeting new members, strengthening relationships, and championing engagement across the business community. As event hosts, mentors, and trusted guides, they help members make meaningful connections and get the most from their Chamber experience. Each year, we celebrate ambassadors who go above and beyond in this role. We are proud to recognize this year’s ambassador award winners, individuals whose leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication have made an exceptional impact on our members and the Chamber community. Pacesetter Award 2025 Recipient: Bob Hays | President, LegalShield The Pacesetter Award honors an ambassador who has been part of the ambassador team for more than 12 months and is recognized by their peers for consistently leading by example. This individual demonstrates strong leadership, reliability, and a deep commitment to the program, setting the standard for what it means to be a model ambassador. Through their actions, mentorship, and steady engagement, they help shape the culture and success of the ambassador team. Rookie of the Year Award 2025 Recipient: Yadira Morales | Chief Executive Officer, IMPACTO Notary & Multi-Services The Rookie of the Year Award celebrates an ambassador with 12 months or less of service who has made an outstanding early impact. Voted on by peers, this award recognizes someone whose enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to jump in embody the spirit of the ambassador program. From showing up with a positive attitude to going the extra mile, this ambassador has quickly become a valued and trusted member of the team. Ambassador of the Year Award 2025 Recipient: Adam Ultley | Business Performance Advisor, Insperity The Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes the ambassador who accumulated the highest number of points in the ambassador point program over the past year. This distinction reflects exceptional dedication, consistent participation, and a strong commitment to supporting Chamber events and initiatives. Earning the most points means this ambassador was the most active throughout the year, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the ambassador program and the broader Chamber community. Congratulations to this year’s ambassador award honorees, Bob, Yadira, and Adam. Your leadership, service, and commitment to welcoming and supporting our members exemplify the spirit of the ambassador program. Thank you for the energy you bring to every event, the relationships you help build, and the positive impact you make across our Chamber community. We are grateful for all you do and celebrate this well-deserved recognition!
Interested in joining the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber ambassador team?
Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in November 2025:
Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in October 2025:
 10/01/2025
Dear Chamber Members, We are writing to share an important leadership update at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has appointed Tom Pierson to serve as Interim President & CEO, effective immediately. Many of you know Tom from his previous tenure leading the Chamber for over a decade. He brings deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships across the South Sound, and a steady, member centered approach to leadership. His return at this moment provides invaluable continuity and confidence for our staff, investors, and members. During his tenure at the chamber, Tom led coalitions that secured funding for the 167 Completion project and led the formation of the Manufacturing Industrial Council. Our Board will launch a comprehensive search for our next permanent President & CEO. This process will include input from our members, staff, and community stakeholders to help identify a leader that reflects the values and priorities of Tacoma-Pierce County’s business community. Looking ahead, the Chamber remains strong, focused, and stable. If you have questions or would like to share feedback as we move through this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and trust. Warm regards, Chyna Willman Board Chair Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in September 2025:
Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in August 2025:
 The Spotlight on Business Awards is a program run by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber that recognizes and celebrates our region's best in business. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is looking for the change-makers, the innovators, and the problem solvers. The small businesses doing big things to drive growth and ingenuity and those that are championing for a better business climate tomorrow. The 2025 Spotlight on Business Awards celebrate organizations that strengthen Pierce County through leadership, innovation, creativity, and community. Applications are open through October 1, 2025. What’s New The Spotlight on Business Awards build on the Chamber’s long tradition of celebrating local business excellence, but 2025 introduces a sharper focus and an updated process. In past years, award categories highlighted broad measures based on ownership and general business achievement. This year, the program has been redesigned to better reflect the diversity and innovation of Pierce County’s economy. The new categories—Civic Leader, Industrial Innovator, Creative Champion, Force Multiplier, and Environmental Steward—recognize businesses that are not only driving revenue but also shaping the community through leadership, creativity, and sustainability. The process has also been streamlined: businesses can now apply in up to five categories, with honorees selected by a distinguished panel of regional leaders. Every winner receives a Chamber membership and expanded visibility opportunities, making the program more accessible and impactful than ever before. From exciting networking opportunities to brand exposure, read on for the top reasons why businesses all over the region are best served by attaining one of our exclusive new awards. Here are 10 Reasons You Should Apply 1. Gain Regional Recognition Stand out as one of Pierce County’s top businesses. Honorees are spotlighted in Chamber communications, regional media, and at one of the year’s most anticipated business events. 2. Elevate Your Brand Finalists and honorees receive ongoing visibility through press releases, social media, the Chamber’s newsletter, Currents, and on our website. Plus, if you win, you'll receive a digital badge and certificate to showcase your achievement. 3. Build Credibility Winning an award signals to customers, partners, and investors that your business is innovative, resilient, and committed to excellence. 4. Strengthen Your Network Finalists and honorees are invited to exclusive networking opportunities, including a meet-and-greet with our special guest keynote speaker at our Annual Meeting and access to exclusive Chamber events. 5. Highlight Your Team Spotlighting your business is also about celebrating the people behind it. Recognition boosts morale and validates your employees’ hard work. 6. Unlock New Opportunities Award winners are prioritized for speaking engagements at Chamber events and receive invitations to share their stories with local business leaders. 7. Shape Your Business Narrative From civic leadership to environmental stewardship, these awards amplify the impact your business is making in the community. 8. Compete Across Categories Businesses can apply in up to five categories: Civic Leader, Industrial Innovator, Creative Champion, Force Multiplier, and Environmental Steward. Apply in the areas that best reflect your strengths and showcase your talents for future clients and partners. 9. Enjoy Exclusive Chamber Benefits Every winner receives a one-year paid membership to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, unlocking access to networking, resources, and advocacy on behalf of your business. 10. Apply for Free There’s no entry fee. Submitting an application is an investment of time that could lead to recognition, resources, and new growth. Applications close October 1, 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to be recognized among the region’s most inspiring businesses. Welcome to the new members who joined our business community in July 2025:
A Little Background
Constructed in 1907, the Willamette Casket Company building was designed by architect Frederick Heath, and the building contractors were the Cornell Brothers. The factory was formerly located on East 25th & E Street and opened the first week of January 1908 at the intersection of Steele Street & the Northern Pacific tracks. The Willamette Building was known as one of the finest buildings in the Northwest and the largest factory west of St Louis. Mr. John T. Hickey served as President & Manager for 100 employees where they not only manufactured caskets but also had a showroom where you could pick out a casket for a loved one. In 1916 the Willamette Casket Company ceased operations, and the Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. began producing furniture in the building. Mr. Edwin Gregory had 105 employees who had moved his operations from the east side of Tacoma to its new home. An article from The News Tribune speaks very favorably of the Gregory Furniture Manufacturing Co. and states: “Where everything turned out by the company is manufactured from rough lumber and no manufacturing is shipped in by the company.” In 1945 the building was sold to F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. which was led by Mr. Allan T. Crutcher, president. The F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. was started by Mr. Fremont Harmon in 1888 at South 21st & Dock Street. By 1909 Mr. Harmon, president and owner, had 150 employees and a payroll of $10,000 a month. A vital business in Tacoma, you can imagine Mr. Harmon arriving each day, checking with his employees to see how the work was being done or how their day was going. Mr. Harmon was “one of the most familiar figures in the business community,” as stated in the Tacoma Daily Ledger 1909. Mr. Harmon was a board member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, the Tacoma Country & Gold Club and a noble of the Afifi Temple, Order of the Mystic Shrine. He died in 1939 with a substantial estate consisting of $100,000.00. Each of his daughters were given $1,000.00 and the rest of his estate was placed in a trust for his grandchildren. Fortunately, the F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co continued to be managed by his devoted business partners, including Mr. Crutcher. In a help wanted ad from 1950 the F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. was looking for men or women as experienced paint sprayers for a paid a rate of $1.61 an hour. In 1961 a “Clean Up Sale” was held where decorative hardware, upholstery supplies, paper bags and off grade mirrors were just of the few items for sale. In 1962 F. S. Harmon Manufacturing Co discontinued manufacturing upholstered furniture & draperies and the Milton J. Wershow Company of Portland, Oregon, held an auction with hundreds of items for sale including factory trucks, veneer clippers, band saws. gear head motors, and 7 ½ acres of the property. During the 1960s White Star Van & Storage began operations within the building, and other businesses who operated out of this location included Off Center Furniture & Item House. As I left this enjoyable networking event, I thought of Mr. Hickey, Mr. Crutcher, Mr. Gregory & Mr. Harmon and how proud they would be to see the building where their businesses grew and provided a livelihood for their employees, still being used and which houses a variety of small businesses today. I am sure they were smiling as I walked across the parking lot to go home. Submitted by: Patty Rivers Mannie, Tacoma Historian Tacoma History Comes Alive! July 18, 2025 |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
September 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
